History, doctrine, culture, books

Priesthood Session Notes

President Uchtdorf conducted the Priesthood Session. I was pleased to see President Monson speak for about 25 minutes as the concluding speaker. He looked good and sounded good. Here are my notes which were taken on the fly, so check with the actual transcripts (out in a few days) before you make any serious life changes based on these notes.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Twelve noted all the books out there cutting down men and talked about the conflicting signals boys and men get from society now. He referred to "cultural emasculation" — in the media, men are generally portrayed as total losers. He calls on LDS men to reject these models. Be serious about forming families. Be a spiritual leader in your home. Be a good and productive citizen. Develop your talents and capacities. Be willing to make sacrifices. To the young men: Do well in school! Learn a trade! Be strong and of good courage! Participate in priesthood work and support your quorum.

Gary E. Stevenson, Presiding Bishop, reviewed the stripling warriors story: they were "valiant in courage." Tells a story of John who had the courage to leave a party when the drugs came out (everyone who stayed later got arrested). Watch out for "digital peer pressure." Be courageous. Be strong. God will reward you with happiness and joy.

Anthony D. Perkins of the Seventy on the oath and covenant of the priesthood and its warning: "beware concerning yourselves," which he seemed to link to a variety of temptations. Six principles to follow: read the scriptures, do priesthood stuff, don't be a bully. Porn warning. Avoid those spiritual cliffs.

President Uchtdorf: story about restoring a Piper Cub airplane and flying it with his son. Also relates flying in an F-18 with the Blue Angels. So different, yet both experiences gave the excitement, beauty, and joy of flying. Whether your church unit is a clunky Piper Cub or a sleek jet fighter, do your priesthood duty and feel the joy of service. "Each day, walk anew in the paths of discipleship."

President Eyring said you can recognize the unique spiritual gifts of the young men you lead -- encourage them. Help them aim high. He told several stories about how he creatively encouraged his own boys to grow spiritually and serve valiantly in the priesthood. "There are many ways to shape children's hearts."

President Monson. As noted above, he sounded very good and spoke for almost 30 minutes. Nothing in this world provides happiness like a testimony of the gospel. If you don't have it, work to get it. Many people have little or no testimony, but if we would share ours with them we can build theirs. Men need to be given a chance to serve. Leaders should not be reluctant to extend callings — men can change! Men change every day. Look at men, including those not in the Church, as they can be, not as they are. Look at your friends and neighbors that way — as they can become with the gospel. Our priesthood comes with an oath and a covenant: we have a responsibility to keep it. In two years, every missionary presently serving will have returned to their families. Their replacements will come from the ranks of today's Aaronic Priesthood holders. Are you ready to serve?

Parley P. Pratt: The Apostle Paul of MormonismGivens and Grow's warts-and-all biography of this energetic missionary, author, and apostle whose LDS career spanned Joseph Smith's life, the emigration to Utah, and Brigham Young's early leadership of the Church in Utah. My Review